Carpets are definitely the true companions for any human being who wants to give a plush and warm feeling to his floors. Although these interior designing elements have always proved themselves to be amazing decorators, they have got many drawbacks too. One of the major issues that they impose on any individual is health risk.
The upper surface of your carpet will definitely look really innocent, but did you know that beneath that seemingly innocent surface lies a potential threat to your health? Yes, your carpet may be the hideout of different and notorious pathogens that can literally rule out the health factor, resulting in serious health issues.
Top 5 Dirty Carpet Problems That Are Responsible For Health Issues
Neglecting carpet cleaning can result in a number of health issues, from causing allergies to housing dangerous bacteria. In this post by Carpet Dubai, we’ll discuss the top five ways that having dirty carpets can harm your health, serving as a gentle reminder to everyone that regular carpet cleaning is something that should never be taken lightly. Let’s investigate the hidden dangers that hide behind those fluffy fibers by diving in.
1. Respiratory Issues And Allergies
The top concern that is related to these dirty carpets is the breathing problem. Most people who are allergic or hypersensitive to the respiratory condition can face serious difficulty while breathing in such area that has dirty carpet. Dust, pollen, pet dander, and other airborne allergens are drawn to carpets like a magnet.
These particles may become caught in the carpet’s fibers and discharged into the air when someone walks or vacuums over it. This may cause symptoms like sneezing, coughing, wheezing, and breathing difficulties in people with allergies or asthma. Moreover, ongoing contact with certain allergens can cause the progression of milder respiratory problems into more serious ones.
2. Danger Of Mold And Mildew Growth
Moisture is the most definite and worst enemy of carpets. The main reason is that it may provide an optimal environment for the growth of mold and mildew. You may face high levels of moisture because of different reasons, like pet accidents, spills, and water seepage. If these problems are not addressed properly and abruptly, then the microscopic conidium present on the surface of your carpet will start growing into full-fledged visible fungi.
As mature mold has the ability to release spores in the environment for their further reproduction, therefore, these sporidia may cause breathing issues, allergies, and other potential health risks to the exposed persons if they are hypersensitive to such kinds of living entities. In addition to this, the fungus has its characteristic musty odor that can deteriorate the air quality of your environment too.
3. Presence of Bacteria And Other Pathogens
As we all know that bacteria and pathogens are invaders that can rule over the immunity system of living beings, and carpets are truly a harbor for such devastating organisms. Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus, and Salmonella are those bacterias that are more likely to be present on the surface of dirty carpets, and it is scientifically proven by different studies and researchers as well.
The bacterium and microbes are most probably to reach the surface of your carpets by your pets, shoes or by having direct contact with contaminated things. With the passage of time, these bacteria’s grow in number and add thousands of individuals to their population, which is literally a health hazard for human beings. These potentially health-deteriorating organisms can cause GIT issues (as they disturb the gut flora of persons with low immunity levels), infection of the skin, and respiratory disorders.
4. Allergies and Issues Caused By Dust Mites
Another creature from the microscopic community, Dust Mites, also loves to thrive in humid and warm environments, which definitely a carpet can offer them. As a matter of fact, these organisms are not allergic in nature themselves, but their body fragments and feces may trigger allergic reactions in people who suffer from skin irritation disorders and other types of skin allergies too.
Congestion, sneezing, coughing, runny nose, and watery or itchy eyes are the general symptoms that you may observe in the area having dirty carpets. If you want to reduce the population levels of dust mites on your carpets, then you must give your carpets a thorough clean-up fortnightly, and regular vacuuming should be observed too. Such practice will create an environment that has a less number of their potential allergens.
5. VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)
Some carpets are manufactured from synthetic fibers, or they might be treated with some adhesives or chemicals. Such an artificial manufacturing approach and chemical-based installation may cause the release of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) which are harmful not only to human beings but to the environment as well.
These compounds can get vaporized at normal room temperature and can cause short-termed or sometimes long-termed adverse health issues. Toulene, formaldehyde, and benzene are such VOCs that are commonly found in carpets. If you are exposed to these chemicals for a long interval of time, you may face different irritation issues, respiratory problems, headaches, dizziness, and even in some cases, people may face fatal health risks. Properly ventilate your carpeted room and clean it regularly to avoid such issues.
How To Avoid Potential Health Risks Imposed By Carpets?
Knowing the potential health hazards linked to dirty carpets makes it obvious that routine carpet cleaning is essential to maintaining a healthy home environment, not simply for aesthetic reasons. The following advice will help you maintain both good health and clean carpets:
- Vacuum Frequently: Surface dust, allergens, and pet dander can be successfully removed from your carpets by routinely cleaning with a premium vacuum cleaner outfitted with HEPA filters. Try to hoover at least twice each week, giving high-traffic areas special attention.
- Deal With Spills and Stains Instantly: Clean up spills and stains on your carpet right once to avoid moisture absorption and potential mold development. Avoid rubbing, which could force the stain deeper into the carpet fibers, and gently blot the damaged area with a clean cloth or paper towel.
- Invest in Professional Carpet Cleaning: Although routine vacuuming is beneficial, you should schedule professional carpet cleaning at least once or twice a year. Professional cleaners use specific tools and cleaning solutions to eliminate allergies, stains, and embedded filth, providing a thorough and hygienic cleaning.
- Adopt a No-Shoes Policy: Outside contaminants like dirt, bacteria, and other things can be brought in by shoes. To lessen the introduction of allergens, ask family members and visitors to take off their shoes before entering the carpeted parts of your home.
- Maintain Proper Indoor Humidity Levels: Increased humidity can encourage the formation of mold and mildew. To prevent the growth of these dangerous germs, keep humidity levels between 30% and 50% using dehumidifiers or air conditioners.
- Regularly Clean Upholstery and Rugs: Remember that area rugs and upholstery also need to be cleaned frequently. These things can lead to poor indoor air quality by collecting dust, allergies, and germs. To maintain a healthier environment, incorporate them into your cleaning practice.
Conclusion
As a result of altering respiratory function, causing allergies, and serving as a haven for mold, germs, and dust mites, dirty carpets can significantly harm your health. You can reduce these health hazards and make your home cleaner and healthier for you and your family by prioritizing routine carpet cleaning and implementing good maintenance practices.
Keep in mind that having a clean carpet not only makes your home appear nicer but also makes it healthier and more comfortable. We hope that after going through this article now, you have got the overall knowledge about the health risks that a dirty carpet can impose on a healthy human. So keep your carpets tidy to enjoy the marvels of life, and We wish you a happy and prosperous life.
